Should I feel bad if I don't let my hens free range?

[rhode13]

I am very new at raising chickens..I did not even know how they drank water when I started...My question now is, for the last month I have let my hens and rooster free range thru my yard. Well, rooster had to go bye bye, and I have 1 little hen that has been laying an egg..YEAH...but she started laying out in the yard, which I would rather not have her do... So, I have been keeping them in the run area. I have 5 hens and the run area is about 20 x 20...Do chickens have feelings??? Are they happy there, how will I know?

 

[ChirpyChicks1]

It's fine and don't let anyone make you feel bad about it!

Your run is 400sq ft and it's recommended that you allow 10sq ft per bird so you have room to spare. I have six birds and my run is only 84sq ft. My brother made them a "jungle gym" and I'm going to attack a cow bell on it. My run is only temporary, have to rebuild funds before making one that will be just a tad smaller than yours.

 

[Whittni]

Chickens have feelings, they can mourn and memorize hundreds of faces. Chickens can very content in in one area, they see that space as their entire world.

 

[ann21]

Well one way you could handle this , is maybe let them free range , one hour before their bedtime, that way they will have a time limit .you can be out with them, and they still get some run around time, we do this with our chickens . They get some bugs to eat , they seem to love it , and they still know when to go to bed.

 

[rhode13]

Thank you so much for your input...that info is real useful and helps me to put the size into perspective...that is a very cool jungle gym idea...I am sure your hens will enjoy roosting on that...it should help keep them from getting bored...the cow bell is a great idea also...I put a wind chime in for my girls...it is down low enough for them to peck at if they want. And yes, this chicken coop stuff can get a bit spendy.

 

[rhode13]

Wow, how do we know that...that is a great fact to know since I am raising chickens and think of them as more than JUST chickens...Thank you

 

[dwalters]

Also make sure they have a clean and dry nestbox inside the coop for her. Chicks will look for safe place to lay eggs. Put a little straw in there for her.